Multi-position adjustable height seat post

Abstract

A multi-position adjustable height seat post comprises an inner tube, an outer tube, a locking assembly, a triggering device, a first extending element, and a second extending element disposed between the tubes. The locking assembly comprises an actuating unit, a plurality of parallel grooves located in the outer tube, a plurality of spherical detent elements located, in the grooves, and a plurality of spherical elements located in the inner tube. The triggering device connects to the actuating unit. The first extending element constantly pushes the to actuating unit moving in a first direction. The second extending element disposes between the tubes. Once the triggering device is triggered, the actuating unit moves in a second direction contrary to the first direction and makes the spherical elements to move inward laterally to let the inner tube and outer tube move relative to each other freely.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The invention relates to a multi-position adjustable height seat post, specifically a tube within another tube that allows for the adjustment of seat height to multiple positions while riding a bicycle.[0003]2. Description of Related Art[0004]Cyclists, specifically those involved in mountain hiking, find that it is beneficial to have a variety of seat height options while riding a bicycle. Seat height options are desired because they afford the rider greater control of the bicycle over widely varying terrain.[0005]U.S. Pat. No. 8,079,772 patent had disclosed a multi-position bicycle seat post locking assembly. This invention provides for a multi-position adjustable height bicycle seat post locking assembly comprising an inner tube slidably supported within an outer tube. The outer tube has a smaller diameter so as to be received in the seat tube of a bicycle. The inner tube is adjustable, moving freely within the outer ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]The purpose of the present invention is to provide a multi-position adjustable height bicycle seat post locking assembly that can overcome the aforesaid drawbacks.

[0011]When the multi-position adjustable height seat post is at the locked position, the spherical elements engage with the spherical detent elements respectively, and the inner tube cannot move relative to the outer tube. When the seat post is at the locked position and the triggering device is triggered, the seat post will enter into a free position. When the multi-position adjustable height seat post is at the free position after the actuation, the spherical elements move inward out of the spherical detent elements and can now slide in the grooves. This allows the inner tube to move respect to the outer tube in the longitudinal direction. If the rider weights the saddle, the inner tube will lower decreasing the volume of the inner space of the tubes and increasing the inside air pressure. When the triggering device is released, the actuating unit moves downward, and the spherical. elements will engage with the lower spherical detent elements once the inner tube has lowered to the corresponding height.

[0012]The multi-position adjustable height seat post has several obvious advantages below: First, the internal locking mechanism improves external appearance of the inner tube. It hides wear damage of the interface inside on the outer tube for a like new external appearance in comparison with the U.S. Pat. No. 8,079,772 patent. Second, the smooth circular inner tube provides a proper sealing surface for wiper seal preventing dirt, water, and other contaminants from entering inside mechanism. Third, it allows for weight reduction in virtue of the replacing of coil spring with air spring. Fourth, the wear resistance is better in virtue of the steel material of the inner sleeve of outer tube. Fifth, it's easier to fabricate in virtue of the outer tube consisting of two separate pieces. The manufacturer can machine the inner piece and the outer piece individually.

Problems solved by technology

But this kind of seat post has some drawbacks below: First, after using certain period of time, the appearance of the inner tube will be wearing in virtue of the wear happened between the inner tube and the ball bearings when riders are adjusting the height of the seat post.

This will result in quick ageing of the product appearance.

Second, the progress of manufacture is difficult in virtue of the process of components.

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